Find some fun holiday things to do around DFW this weekend!
Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park
Ring in the Chanukah festivities this year with a safe, socially distant Menorah Lighting at Klyde Warren Park. The event features: DJ Haze Chanukah Beats (BYO blanket or lawn chair), pre-packaged Chanukah sweets and treats, and an interactive Chanukah art installation.
Where: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth
When: Now through June 30, 2021
Cost: $6 - $12
More info: https://www.fwbg.org/events
Galleria Dallas - Illumination Celebration
The nation's tallest indoor Christmas tree illuminates in grand fashion choreographed to magical sounds of the season!
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, Center Court
When: Now - December 24. Noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Cost: Free
More info: https://galleriadallas.com/holiday
Gift of Lights - at Texas Motor Speedway
The Gift of Lights is back at Texas Motor Speedway. You can enjoy the magical sights of the season from the comfort of your own warm car. And since tickets are sold by the carload, why not bring the whole family? For cars and trucks, the cost is $30. You'll drive under the huge grandstands at TMS, and through a beautiful land celebrating the season.
Where: 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $30 - $60
More info: https://giftoflightstexas.com/
Holiday at the Dallas Arboretum
Holiday at the Arboretum is one of Dallas' favorite holiday traditions. You can stroll the garden to see the 25-foot-tall beautifully decorated Victorian-style gazebos that represent each of the 12 Days of Christmas. Also stop by the Christmas Village. Hours are extended into the evenings, the garden becomes aglow with over one million lights. Enjoy visits with Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, food & beverage options and more.
Where: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas
When: Daily thru December 31
Cost: $17 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two. (Tickets are a bit more expensive for nighttime entry).
More info: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
Holiday Market & Music at NOVEL Bishop Arts
"Join Dallasites101 and NOVEL Bishop Arts for a Holiday Market & Music! Come by the piazza at NOVEL Bishop Arts apartment community on Sunday, December 13th from 11 am to 3 pm for holiday shopping from local makers, sips and bites, and live music! All pop-ups and activities will be set-up outdoors and at least 6 feet apart. Please only touch goods that you will purchase. You are encouraged to wear a mask. We will have one-way directional signage to safely manage the flow of people. There will be hand sanitizer available at NOVEL BA's table. Please stay home if you may have been in contact with someone with covid or are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19."
Where: 111 W Davis, Dallas
When: Sunday, December 13 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost: Free Entry
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/129849152096374/
"I Love Christmas Movies" Pop-Up at the Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan is always a magical place during the holidays. The hotel is putting on a brand new event. This 17,000 sq. ft. multi-sensory pop-up exhibition allows guests to go inside beloved holiday movies like The Polar Express, A Christmas Story, Elf, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Patrons will navigate the exhibits with replica film props, audio clips, and more.
Where: The Gaylord Texan, 1509 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $20.99 to $31.99
More info: https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=88
Journey of Lights - St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano
Journey of Lights is a walk-through, immersive experience, celebrating the message of Christmas. You'll walk through the Christmas Village - with soap bubble snow, and a larger-than-life advent calendar. You'll bask in Light in the Darkness (an immersive 30 minute music and light show). Then take a moment to reflect with the live Nativity at the Pond. All proceeds go to St. Andrew's new mental health initiative. Tickets are timed in 30 minute increments, and must be purchased ahead of time.
Where: 5801 W Plano Pkwy, Plano
When: December 11-19, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: $5/person
More info: https://www.standrewumc.org/christmas_lights#journey
Luminova at Globe Life Field
It's the world premiere of Luminova, where millions of dazzling lights will coat Globe Life Field, the new home of the Texas Rangers, for the next few months. There's a 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor ice-skating pond, light fixtures that make for great family photo moments, yummy treats, and hot cocoa. Limited tickets are available for each night. There's something for everyone, including a special light journey through illuminated tunnels, the Luminova Train, performers, kid-friendly displays, and Santa, of course!
Where: Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington
When: Now through January 3, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. each night
Cost: $19.99 - $24.99 / Family of 5 (2 adults/3 kids) $79.99
More info: https://www.mlb.com/rangers/tickets/events/luminova
Mansfield's First Annual "Christmas Stroll"
First Methodist Mansfield says: "Prepare to be WOW'd with all of the Christmas Cheer that will be available at our First Annual Christmas Stroll! This community-wide event is available to everybody! Bring the whole family and enjoy several different experiences on our entire outdoor campus including a train ride, a winter wonderland complete with real snow, live music, and several photo opportunities… including pictures with Santa! This will be a safe, socially distanced, fun event for the whole family. Come and go as you are able... and invite a friend!"
Where: 777 N Walnut Creek Dr., Mansfield
When: Saturday, December 12 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/786814552174153
National Finals Rodeo
It's the final weekend of the National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington. It all wraps up in Saturday night's 10th, and final performance. Each performance at GLF start at 6:45 p.m. But there's also "Wrangler NFR 9 to 5" - a series of breakout events - mostly in Fort Worth...like Cowboy Christmas at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Junior World Finals at the Stockyards, and more.
Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington (and other sites)
When: Now - December 12
Cost: Varies
More info: https://www.nfrexperience.com/nfr2020/
North Pole Express
Take a trip on the North Pole Express! It's a magical Christmas journey leaving downtown Grapevine and ending with a stroll through the snowy North Pole Forest. This memorable trip will include a tasty Christmas cookie, an onboard performance from Santa and his elves, a keepsake photo with Santa, and even a "we believe" silver bell for every child.
Where: Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S Main, Grapevine
When: Daily (except Thursdays) now through December 23
Cost: $34 - $38
More info: https://tickets.grapevineticketline.com/event/north-pole-express-2020
Panther Island Ice
Panther Island Ice returns to Fort Worth this holiday season at the Coyote Drive-In. Fort Worth's outdoor skating rink offers public skating seven days a week, through January 18, 2021. The rink is real ice, and is located mostly under a large pavilion. Patrons can take advantage of free parking, and the drive-in's other amenities, like covered seating, gas heaters, and a full menu, including beer and wine. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, online.
Where: 223 NE 4th St, Fort Worth
When: Daily through January 18
Cost: $13/person ($10 for military, their families, and Tarleton students)
More info: https://pantherislandice.com/
Radiance! Frisco (or Weatherford, or Decatur)
Radiance brings three drive-through light shows to North Texas this Holiday season. Sip on a cup of hot chocolate as you gawk at two million lights, animated to the tunes of holiday classics. This event is made for the pandemic, because you never leave your car. Drive thru the location at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, the Reunion Grounds in Decatur, or the Parker County Fairgrounds in Weatherford.
Where: Dr. Pepper Ballpark, 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $30 - $50 / vehicle (may vary by location)
More info: https://www.radiancechristmas.com/
Scrooge: The Musical - 10th Anniversary Production
North Texas Performing Arts went all-out to ensure their production of Scrooge: The Musical would get to be performed this year. All actors will wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines on-stage and off. Ensemble vocals are pre-recorded, and no group singing will take place during the production. Theatre seating is limited as well, so if you want to go in-person get your tickets online. Or if you'd prefer you can watch a stream.Free tickets for online viewing are available to veterans, first responders those afflicted by the pandemic, and families on government assistance.
Where: Willow Bend Center of the Arts, 6121 W Park Blvd, Ste. B216 (Chapel Hill entrance, 2nd floor), Plano
When: December 9-13, December 16-20
Cost: In-person: $20 orchestra, $30 premium; Livestream: $20 individual, $60 family of 3 or more
More info: https://northtexasperformingarts.org/event/scrooge/
Snowday at Galleria Dallas
SNOWDAY is an interactive experience for all ages that takes guests on a one-way tour through 11+ holiday-themed rooms over the course of about an hour. SNOWDAY features a dozen unique photo opportunities for guests to have fun, strike a pose, and snap a picture - including 6 extra-special photo moments with integrated cameras and lighting. Professionally processed and sent directly to your phone, your one-of-a-kind pics from SNOWDAY are instantaneously ready to be perfectly posted, shared, and enjoyed with friends and family.
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas; Level 1, Near Sephora
When: Now through January 3
Cost: $22 ages 13+; $8 ages 4-12; Free for 3 and under
More info: https://www.snowdaydallas.com/
Snow Tubing at the Gaylord Texan
Snow Tubing features an eight-lane tubing hill that's fun for all ages and covered in REAL SNOW! Zoom down the lanes, race to the bottom, and enjoy unlimited runs on your ticket date. Double riding tubes are available for parents with small children.
Where: The Gaylord Texan, 1509 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $21.99
More info: https://tickets.gaylordtexan.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=60
The Trains at NorthPark
The Trains at NorthPark is back for its 33rd season. They call it the most elaborate miniature toy trains exhibit in Texas. Travel across America as the trains navigate 1,300 feet of track, chugging past features like the White House, Time Square, Grand Central Station, the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Most importantly, the exhibit benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.
Where: NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expy, Dallas
When: Now - January 3
Cost: $10 adults, $5 for ages 2-12
More info: https://www.thetrainsatnorthpark.com/
Vitruvian Lights - at Addison
Vitruvian Park transforms into a magical holiday wonderland during Vitruvian Lights. Parking available onsite at Vitruvian Park; Bella Lane Parking Lot, Park Road Parking Lot, and Ponte Avenue Parking Lot. This year, Vitruvian Park made the decision not to host special events in conjunction with Vitruvian Lights because of the pandemic. But Vitruvian is still encouraging visitors to walk through the park, or drive through and enjoy the beauty.
Where: Vitruvian Park, 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX
When: Daily through January 3, from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: https://visitaddison.com/tourism/vitruvian-park-events


